Congenital Heart Disease May Increase Risk for . . .

IN YOUR DAILY DOSE: today is research from Denmark demonstrating those who are born with heart disease have a higher risk of neurological disease as you age.

MAKING CHANGES: Knowing there may be a higher risk for dementia, you can take steps to reduce those risks.

FACT OR FICTION: Do you wear your heart on your sleeve?

In The News

Researchers from Denmark have found a higher probability for the development of dementia in those who are born with congenital heart problems. Researchers collaborated with doctors from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to analyze the data of over 10,000 people.

Sleep protects your cardiovascular and neurological health. Sleep is essential, but not as easily acquired as you may have imagined. Although you are asleep, it doesn’t mean the sleep you get is quality rest. To ensure you protect your health, try some of these strategies.

Sleep in a completely dark room. If you can see your hand in front of your face, the room has too much light. Light reduces the amount of melatonin you produce, which in turn reduces the quality of your sleep.

Get exposed to bright light in the morning hours to signal your body to shut down your melatonin production and get ready for the next night.

Exercise during the day.

Cut off your caffeine intake after 2pm.

Take 15 minutes to unwind before going to bed.

Use your bed for sleeping or intimate relations with your spouse - and nothing else. Television, work, and other digital equipment should be left for another room.

Stop eating at least three hours before going to bed. Adding calories at a time when your body doesn’t need it increases your metabolism when it should be resting.

Use blue blocking lenses after the sun goes down to signal to your body that it’s time to start producing melatonin. Most digital equipment produces blue light which has the biggest effect on melatonin.

Adjust the temperature in your room - keep the thermostat between 67 and 70. As you fall asleep your core temperature begins to drop. Sleeping in a warm room disturbs your sleep.

Daily Affirmation

Progress with my fitness goals motivates me to keep training.My physical fitness is one of my greatest priorities. It deserves the same level of attention as my family, work, and spirituality. Being physically fit helps me to achieve the balance that is important in life.

Fact or Fiction?

Do you wear your heart on your sleeve? Today the expression means that others can see how you feel about another person. However, in the Middle Ages, people drew the name of their intended Valentine out of a bowl and pinned the name on their sleeve. From this practice grew the expression - to wear your heart on your sleeve.